August 30, 2025 – at the SMX Convention Center Manila, Mall of Asia Complex, Seashell Lane, Pasay City
The Philippines emerged as one of the top-performing nations at WorldSkills ASEAN Manila 2025, securing an impressive twelve (12) gold medals – counted individually per competitor including Demo Skills, as the competition concluded triumphantly at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. The last time the country won a gold medal was in Vietnam in 2004 in the Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning skill area.
In his speech during the closing ceremony, TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez congratulated the competitors for their performance and reminded them about the competition’s significance.
“This week, ASEAN’s best and brightest showed us something extraordinary. But what we witnessed was bigger than medals. We saw not just skill, but discipline. Not just competition, but collaboration. Not just dreams, but the courage to make them real,†said Secretary Kiko.
“What are our takeaways from this week? We bring home unity. We learn the lesson that excellence knows no borders. We gain confidence that ASEAN can stand shoulder to shoulder with the world. But above all, we take on a responsibility. A responsibility to keep investing in our youth, our workers, our communities,” added the TESDA chief.
The biennial event, hosted this year by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), brought together hundreds of young skilled professionals from 10 ASEAN member countries to compete in 32 skill areas, celebrating technical expertise and innovation across the region.
The Philippines’ strong performance in this year’s competition reflects the nation’s growing investment in technical vocational education and training (TVET) and its commitment to elevating skills standards to global levels.
Filipino competitors who brought home gold were Hannah Krystelle Caintic (Graphic Design Technology); Hayden Christian Gravador and Gian Benedict Cariño (Internet-of-Things); John Patrick Torres and Steven Retirado (CNC Maintenance); Agee Docayso (Cooking); Carlos Antonio Delos Reyes (Hotel Reception); James Cavin Sayago (Electrical Installations); and Denmark Dadia (Refrigeration and Air Conditioning).
Aside from gold medals, the Philippines also brought home five (5) silver and eight (8) bronze medals, along with five (5) Medallions for Excellence. The Medallion for Excellence is awarded to competitors whose performance meets the rigorous international standards set by WorldSkills International.
Meanwhile, Malaysia emerged as the overall top performer among participating countries, securing thirteen (13) gold medals, along with four (4) silvers, three (3) bronzes, and two (2) Medallions for Excellence.
Indonesia followed closely with eleven (11) golds, one (1) silver – from Industrial Control as Demo Skill, ten (10) bronzes, and nine (9) Medallions for Excellence, while Singapore earned six (6) golds, four (4) silvers, four (4) bronzes, and five (5) Medallions for Excellence.
Thailand also delivered a strong showing, collecting five (5) golds, four (4) silvers, three (3) bronzes, and ten (10) Medallions for Excellence. Cambodia rounded out the medal tally with one (1) bronze and one (1) Medallion for Excellence.
The weeklong competition, which was held at the World Trade Center Metro Manila and the Philippine Trade Training Center, also featured industry-led exhibits, Try-a-Skill booths, and cultural performances, drawing thousands of students, educators, and industry partners to witness the transformative impact of skills development.
About WorldSkills ASEAN
WorldSkills ASEAN is the largest showcase of professional and technical skills in the ASEAN (The Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region and brings the objectives of the WorldSkills movement to Southeast Asia. The skills competition was initiated by an agreement among ASEAN Member States in 1993 and aims to promote and raise skills standards in the ASEAN region to an international level, as well as to motivate youths to develop their skills and knowledge. ASEAN Member States take turns to host the biennial WorldSkills ASEAN Competition.